6 Essential Qualities of Successful Direct Sellers (Yes, YOU Can Do THIS!)

I’m often asked what it takes to become a successful direct seller. The truth is (and I fervently believe) anyone can do it. You’ll need to learn a few things along the way, of course, but there is no “type” for people who make a great living as direct sellers. They are a mixed bunch with different backgrounds, strengths, and ambitions. This industry is a genuine opportunity for anyone.

That being said, there are a few skills that you really need to cultivate if you want to be successful in our industry. I’ve identified my top six (and the great news is that ANYONE can do these with a little practice)

The ability to communicate

To succeed in direct sales, you have to learn how to talk to people (not just face-to-face, either). You will need to be persuasive and compelling in the written word, and you’ll need to learn how to communicate on social media as well. For some people, this will come naturally. However, even if you are shy or introverted, you can learn how to deal with people. If this sounds like you, head over to this awesome guide on how to get to grips with your communication.

Enthusiasm

As a direct seller, it’s your enthusiasm that is going to attract customers and make it easy to recruit people onto your team. The best way to get others excited about your opportunity is to share your own enthusiasm for your business and how it’s changed your life. You’ll also need to learn to motivate yourself and possess a willingness to start every day in a positive frame of mind.

The Ability to react to change

For direct sales professionals, no two days are likely to be the same. You might be setting up a home party on a Monday, holding team meetings via Skype on a Tuesday, and conducting a sponsoring interview on a Wednesday. Organization is key and will keep you on track, but sometimes the best laid plans go awry. You will have to use action plans and keep on top of your planning and schedule to ensure your success, and you’ll need to be able to “dance in the moment” when the unexpected happens (because it does).

An open mind

No little kid ever says, “I want to be a direct seller when I grow up!” For many of us, it’s something we stumble into after trying our hands at many other things. So, if you still haven’t worked out your best career path yet, why not give direct sales a go? There could be a superstar lurking within you somewhere, and testing yourself is a great way to find out.

Business Acumen

Some people are born to have great business minds, but these folks are few and far between. For most people, it’s a skill that you can learn. And if you want to learn at the sharp end of the scale, then direct sales will give you everything you need to know. You will begin to understand how to spot an opportunity. You will learn how hard work and that action breeds success. You’ll learn to budget, bank, and get organized in a whole new way as a business person.

Patience

This is quite possibly the most important skill you’ll learn. Direct sales superstars aren’t born overnight. It takes a time to get to where you want to be, and there are a lot of pitfalls before you taste genuine success. If someone assured you this was an “overnight,” get-rich-quick opportunity, they led you astray. If you have the patience and the drive and you take consistent action and keep on learning, you will get there in the end.

Did I cover all of the most essential skills? Did I miss something? Let me know in the comments below.

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Julie Anne Jones is a direct sales corporate consultant, coach, and trainer, and the CEO of Julie Anne Jones, Inc. She is known for her authentic and easy-to-use scripting and specializes in specific language and tools for success in direct sales. To learn more about Julie Anne and her products and services, and to read her weekly blog posts, visit her at www.julieannejones.com.